Chapter 464: This is a Naked Threat

This statement was like a bomb detonating inside the conference hall. Reporters jumped up almost simultaneously, shouting to ask questions, while camera flashes flickered like a rainstorm. Zhao Liping remained calm, as if what he had just announced was merely tomorrow's weather forecast.

"My God! They are threatening the White Elephant Country!"

"Isn't this just naked nuclear intimidation?"

"Passing through the airspace of the White Elephant Country? This is simply an international crisis!"

Amid the chaos, a reporter from the Star-Spangled Country's *World Herald* squeezed to the front row: "Mr. Zhao! Can you explain what 'accidental detachment of components or payloads' means? Does this mean the Long Country is preparing to conduct some form of nuclear test over the White Elephant Country?"

Zhao Liping smiled: "You have misunderstood. This is just a routine technical verification. The so-called 'detachment of components' refers to the separation of rocket stages or potential malfunctions of certain equipment due to technical immaturity. The Long Country consistently advocates for the peaceful use of space and opposes nuclear proliferation."

A reporter from the Beijixiong Guo's *Truth Daily* loudly questioned: "Why choose to fly over the airspace of the White Elephant Country? Isn't this a blatant threat to a sovereign state?"

"This is just one possible path calculated based on ballistic mechanics," Zhao Liping maintained his irritating composure, "The flight path of a ballistic missile is determined by the laws of physics, not political intent. We have already notified the relevant countries of this situation through diplomatic channels and guarantee that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure safety."

The press conference ended in chaos, and Zhao Liping left behind one final sentence: "The Long Country adheres to a path of peaceful development while also firmly safeguarding its own development rights and interests. Thank you all."

The news swept across the globe like a tsunami, and media from various countries scrambled to report this astonishing news:

"Long Country announces test launch of intercontinental missile that may fly over the White Elephant Country"

"The Claws of the Eastern Dragon: 'Changfeng-Yi' missile threat shocks the world"

"From water rights disputes to missile deterrence: Long Country displays iron-fisted diplomacy"

International public opinion instantly shifted from the Yajiang Hydropower Station to this more explosive topic. Commentators who were still eloquently denouncing "water hegemony" the day before were now all changing their tune to analyze the geopolitical significance of "missile deterrence."

White Elephant Country

The leader's face was ashen, and the document in his hand trembled incessantly. The ministers beside him were equally pale, and a suffocating atmosphere of fear permeated the conference room.

"Are they... are they serious?" The leader's voice trembled, "A missile flying over our country's north? Components falling off? This is simply..."

"Nuclear deterrence," Defense Minister Shakti said in a low voice, his tone filled with frustration, "Naked nuclear deterrence."

"We must contact the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo immediately!" the Foreign Minister said urgently, "We need their anti-aircraft systems and diplomatic support!"

The leader closed his eyes and took a deep breath: "It's too late. Three days later... there are only three days left. Our anti-aircraft systems can barely handle ordinary fighter jets, let alone intercontinental missiles."

He opened his eyes and swept his gaze over every minister: "Issue the highest level of national alert, and the northern cities are to enter a state of emergency evacuation. At the same time, the Wajiaobu must immediately submit an emergency appeal to the Alliance, accusing the Long Country of 'missile terrorism'."

The Defense Minister hesitated: "What if it's just a bluff? The Long Country might just be trying to scare us..."

"Are you willing to gamble with the lives of the entire nation?" the leader asked sternly, then sighed, "Whether it is a bluff or a real threat, we must prepare for the worst."

He turned to the Intelligence Department Head: "Tell me, how terrifying is the Long Country's 'Changfeng' missile?"

The Intelligence Chief swallowed hard: "According to intelligence provided by the Star-Spangled Country, the first 'Changfeng' missile already possesses a range of 4,000 kilometers and extremely high precision. And this 'Changfeng-Yi' is said to adopt a brand-new technical path, which may be even more advanced and terrifying."

The leader's expression grew even gloomier: "Then, we are effectively defenseless."

"We have no choice but to pray, Your Majesty," the Defense Minister said bitterly.

The streets of the White Elephant Country's capital were in chaos. Long queues formed in front of supermarkets and grocery stores, with citizens scrambling to buy food, water, and daily necessities. The northern cities were nearly paralyzed, with roads packed with vehicles fleeing southward.

"Did you hear? The Long Country is going to launch a missile at us!"

"Oh my god! Are they crazy? Just because we protested the hydropower station?"

"The government says it's just passing over our airspace, but who knows the truth? What if it falls down?"

Panic spread as quickly as a plague. Although the government issued a statement claiming "everything is under control," no one believed such hollow assurances. International airports were packed with people trying to leave, and ticket prices soared to ten times the usual rate.

Television stations broadcasted air-raid drill guides 24 hours a day, teaching citizens how to protect themselves when a missile strikes—even though these measures were meaningless against an intercontinental missile.

The White Elephant Country's representative to the Alliance said tearfully at an emergency meeting: "We are a small, peaceful country, yet the Long Country is pointing a missile at our heads! This is a naked act of terrorism! The international community must act immediately to stop this atrocity!"

However, apart from routine statements of condemnation, the reactions of the major powers were surprisingly lukewarm. No one was willing to clash head-on with the increasingly powerful Long Country for the sake of the White Elephant Country. The Yajiang Hydropower Station dispute had not yet subsided, and the "Changfeng-Yi" missile crisis had emerged; the international community seemed somewhat numb to the constant "Long Country shocks."

Star-Spangled Country, Washington City, Tuoyuanying Bangongshi.

"That damn Li Mingyuan!" the leader was furious, slamming his fist onto the desk, making the coffee cup on the table jump, "He did it on purpose! It was intentional!"

Defense Minister Maxwell's face was livid: "Sir, according to our analysis, 'Changfeng-Yi' likely adopts a new type of Guidance System capable of changing its trajectory multiple times during flight. This makes interception nearly impossible."

"And what the hell does that 'detachment of components' mean?" the leader asked through gritted teeth.

Intelligence Agency Director Foster replied cautiously: "We have two guesses. One is that they are testing multi-warhead separation technology, the so-called MIRV system; the second is that they might be conducting some kind of space weapon test. Either way, it is terrible news for us."

"Three days! They only gave three days of warning!" the leader stood up and began pacing back and forth in the office, "This is a blatant disregard for international rules!"

Secretary of State Hopkins coughed: "Actually, sir, there is no clear international law stipulating how far in advance a missile test must be notified..."

"Shut up!" the leader interrupted sternly, "I don't need a law lecture! I need a solution! Tell me, can we intercept this missile?"

Maxwell shook his head: "Almost impossible, sir. Our Anti-aircraft System is mainly aimed at conventional trajectories, while 'Changfeng-Yi' is said to adopt a 'highly unpredictable trajectory.' Furthermore, it is flying over the White Elephant Country's airspace, not our air defense identification zone."

"Can we send a Bomber to the early warning line?" the leader proposed.

"Unless you are prepared to start an all-out war," Maxwell said with a bitter smile, "The Long Country would view it as a direct threat."

The leader slumped back into his chair in frustration: "What about Operation 'Sawtooth'? Any progress?"

Foster shook his head: "Regrettably, sir. The operation team encountered... an accident while approaching Li Mingyuan. We lost three excellent agents, and the remaining personnel were forced to evacuate."

"Damn it!" the leader roared, then lowered his voice, "What about Beijixiong Guo? What do they say?"

Hopkins opened his notebook: "According to our diplomatic channels, Beijixiong Guo is also extremely shocked by this. Their 'Red Star' agent network also failed to get close to Li Mingyuan. It seems the Long Country's protection of this person is far beyond our imagination."

The leader was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked: "How is the 'Falcon' project progressing?"

"Still in the basic research stage," Maxwell replied, his voice filled with frustration, "Our scientists believe that the Long Country's 'Changfeng' technology is at least five to ten years ahead of us. Even if we chase with all our might, it will take a considerable amount of time to catch up."

The leader stood up abruptly and walked to the window, turning his back to the people in the room: "This Li Mingyuan... where on earth did he pop out from? Why is he able to achieve breakthroughs in just a few years that we couldn't achieve in decades?"

No one could answer this question. The room fell into a heavy silence, and everyone felt an unprecedented sense of powerlessness—the Star-Spangled Country, this superpower that prides itself on being the world leader, was completely helpless in the face of the Long Country's technological leap.

"Issue a statement," the leader finally spoke, his voice filled with frustration and anger, "Strongly condemn the Long Country's 'reckless behavior' and 'irresponsible missile test.' At the same time, raise the alert level of the Taiyang Fleet, but do not take any provocative actions."

He turned around, a sinister light flickering in his eyes: "Also, double the funding for the 'Falcon' project. At all costs, we must catch up to and even surpass the Long Country's missile technology."

Beijixiong Guo, Kremlin.

The leader sat behind a large desk, his fingers tapping lightly on the tabletop, with Defense Minister Sokolov and Intelligence Agency Chairman Kolbov standing before him.

"'Changfeng-Yi'..." the leader repeated the name thoughtfully, "Li Mingyuan is truly an interesting character."

"According to our technical analysis," Sokolov reported, "'Changfeng-Yi' likely adopts some kind of composite Guidance System capable of multiple orbital adjustments during flight. This is similar to the concept of our 'Thunder' project, but clearly, they have already realized this technology."

"What about the so-called 'component detachment'?" the Chief asked.

Kolbov took over the topic: "We believe there are three possibilities. First, a multiple-warhead technology test; second, an anti-satellite weapon test; third, some kind of new space weapon we have not yet conceived. Regardless of which one it is, it indicates that Long Country's space militarization process has far exceeded our expectations."

The Chief nodded, his expression unusually calm: "What about the special operation regarding Li Mingyuan?"

Kolbov's expression turned gloomy: "It failed, Comrade Chief. Our agents encountered an ambush by Long Country's security department while approaching the target. Two excellent agents were sacrificed, and the rest were forced to withdraw."

"Interesting," the Chief's voice carried a hint of rare appreciation, "it seems Long Country's counter-intelligence capability should not be underestimated either."

He stood up, walked to the large globe in the office, and his finger lightly traced the outline of Long Country: "Long Country has achieved in just a few years a technological leap that would take us decades to complete. This is not just the credit of genius scientists, but a manifestation of systematic organizational ability and national will."

The Chief turned to the two high-ranking officials: "We must re-evaluate our relationship with Long Country. They are no longer a little brother we can manipulate at will, but an independent power that is rising."

His gaze became deep: "Increase the investment in the 'Thunder' project and prioritize the development of the anti-'Changfeng' system. At the same time, convey our concerns to Long Country through diplomatic channels, but keep the tone restrained."

"What about White Elephant Country?" Sokolov asked, "They are seeking our assistance."